Brooklyn Nets at OKC Thunder (ESPN)
The Nets (36-33) are in Oklahoma City (41-26) in the first of ESPN’s double-header.
After coming out of the All-Star break slow, Brooklyn have since put together four-straight wins, albeit to the Mavericks, Cavs, Hawks and Pistons.
Now that they are finally healthy, the Nets will look to take some momentum into the final stretch of the season. However, Kenny Atkinson’s team are just 15-17 on the road this season, and Chesapeake Energy Arena is one of the toughest buildings to play in.
The Thunder’s recent form has been inconsistent, dropping six of their last nine. Billy Donovan’s team is battling it out for a top four in the West, currently sitting just a half game ahead of the fifth-placed Blazers.
OKC were able to scrape a 98-89 road win over the Jazz on Tuesday (all times AEST), but will need to be at their best to take down a rejuvenated Nets outfit at home.
Last time these teams met, OKC won 114-112 in Brooklyn in early December.
Tip: OKC to win.
The Pistons visit Miami in an intriguing contest that will shape the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Detroit are suddenly entrenched in the top eight as one of the form teams in the league, winning eight of their last 10. Andre Drummond has been an absolute beast over the last month, 19.6 points, 16.9 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 1.3 blocks over that span.
The Heat current sit in the eighth seed, but Orlando and Charlotte are right on their tale. Miami were riding a four-game win streak prior to their most recent home loss to the Raptors.
The last time these teams met a fortnight ago, Detroit won in Miami 119-96.
Tip: Detroit to win.
Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets (ESPN)
The Warriors make the trip to Houston in a battle of the Western Conference heavyweights.
The Dubs have been playing well of late, dropping four of their last six. They will be without Kevin Durant in this one too after the star forward suffered an ankle sprain in their recent loss to the Suns.
Despite their form woes, Golden State would already have an eye on the playoffs and will likely flex their muscles closer to the post-season.
Meanwhile, the Rockets are arguably the hottest team in the NBA, winning nine in a row, including a road victory over the Warriors during that stretch.
Finally enjoying a run of good health, Mike D’Antoni’s team looks unbeatable, and it’s scary to think that Clint Capela is still getting up to full speed. The Rockets made a few underrated mid-season pickups in Kenneth Faried, Austin Rivers and Iman Shumpert, who are all figure to play key roles down the stretch.
Houston have had Golden State’s measure this season, winning all three of their clashes.
Tip: Houston to win.
